There’s no denying that temperatures are cooling down in the Midwest…which means it’s time to prepare your fleet for the winter. Fleets and drivers face unique challenges over the season which is why preparation could save time, avoiding delays and costly downtime.
Our skilled team at Transport Services cares about the safety of drivers and fleet operation owners across the nation—which is why we want to help prepare owners and operators to navigate the winter with knowledge and ease.
With our expertise in sales, leasing/rental, parts and service, this is the Ultimate Winter Preparation Guide. Together, we can make roads safer and operations running smoother than ever.
Download the 2025 Winter Preparation Guide by Transport Services for a condensed list of inspection checks, parts and best practices.
Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Fleets of all sizes and drivers of all freight are affected and at risk to winter misfortunes. It is crucial that equipment is regularly checked, weekly at least, in harsh weather conditions and heavy precipitation. Transport Services recommends operators to receive at least 2 preventative maintenance checks per year on their trailers by a professional service technician.
Mel Fealkovich, the Cleveland Service Operations Manager at Transport, has put together a checklist for operators and fleets to perform their own PM inspections to target high-risk areas for damages and red flags:
- Inspect tread depth: minimum 4/32" on steer tires, 2/32" on all others (more recommended in snow).
Check tire pressure daily — cold temps reduce PSI.
Inspect wheel ends
- for corrosion and proper torque on lug nuts.
- Drain air tanks to remove water and prevent freezing.
Check air dryer operation and replace cartridges if due.
Inspect brake lines for cracks, chafing, or moisture.
Inspect air lines for leaks or brittleness.
Use cold-weather grease on fifth wheel, landing gear, and hinges.
Lubricate locks, hinges, and latches to prevent freezing.
Apply anti-gel additive to diesel (tractor-side) if applicable.
Wash down undercarriage thoroughly weekly from road salt.
Maintaining temperature controls on reefer units and heated trailers.
Making a habit of these best practices and inspecting trailers frequently will save a lot in future repairs and replacements. Alongside this inspection list, Mel also provides a list of emergency and safety equipment for drivers to store in cabs and have on site for quick fixes:
Shovels and salt
Jumper cables or booster pack
Road flares or triangles
Winter gloves
Insulated coveralls
Flashlight
Check fire extinguisher and first aid kit conditions
Preparation eliminates risk, but it doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility that unexpected events could occur. Transport Services can help service any repair or issue, no matter how big or small, on both trucks and trailers. Our technicians are skilled and have tackled hundreds of repairs, as well as customer specific modifications. We are here to help you get back on the road in no time and satisfy your needs.
Request an estimate today or call at 440.582.4900 ext 2. to see how we can assist you!
Have a road emergency? Call our 24-hour Mobile Service line: 440.582.5353
Parts to Protect: Winter Protection Parts, Lubricants & Tools
When it comes to being equipped on the road all season long, having the right parts on hand makes all the difference. Transport Services Cleveland Parts Manager Rob Butcher, and other technicians, have prepared a list of parts that you’ll be thankful you have on hand:
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- Airline Anti-Freeze: to help keep things flowing.
- Gladhands and Seals: for worn or cracked gladhands/seals that could cause air leaks and moisture.
- Hose End Repair Kits: inexpensive and handy for roadside fixes.
- Replacement Air Tanks and Hoses: for full system repairs.
- Diesel 911 or similar fuel supplements: helpful in emergency situations to save drivers serious hassle.
- Replacement Lights: taillights, marker lights, and mid-turns are apt to corrosion.
- Pigtail Connections and Wiring Repair Kits: to repair or replace faulty electrical lines to keep lights and systems on and working.
- Sealed Connectors and Dielectric Grease: prevents corrosion from salt and moisture.
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Sealant Items: tar tape, aluminum roof patches, caulking and seal gap.
PB Blaster and other lubricants: to help keep sliders and suspension parts moving.
Having these items readily available for drivers and fleets will help prevent damages and problems down the line. At Transport, we have a stocked warehouse ready for same-day and next-day shipping to you. Parts such as slider pins and mudflaps could be due for a replacement mid-season from buildup and usage—Transport has got you covered!
Our 2025 Winter Preparation Guide has a list of parts we have in stock and ready to help your fleet succeed this season. Ready to order? Call today! 440.582.4900 ext 1.
‘Tis the season for Winter Specials! Call today to learn more about our current parts specials and deals: 440.582.4900 ext 1.
Preventing Corrosion from Road Salt
Road salt is a tricky winter threat on semi-trailers that we may forget about. Although galvanized steel is made to prevent rusting, the zinc coated protective layer can corrode away from overexposure to road salt.
Our #1 tip: frequently rinse trailers with fresh water to wash away road salt, especially undercarriages and side skirts.
Read the importance of side skirts in this article featuring two of our technicians at Transport Services!
Rinsing trailers frequently will prevent corrosion and rusting, saving you from potential breakdowns or mishaps. The undercarriage is most prone to corrosion, which makes it important to upkeep in areas that retain a lot of road salt.
Additional best practices are to inspect corrosion points to ensure the safety of the trailer and select corrosion-resistant hardware and coatings when purchasing parts and equipment. Semi-trailers are the force that holds our economy, businesses and day-to-day lives together—maintaining safety is top priority!
As a Hyundai Translead Diamond Dealer, Transport Services supports Hyundai’s innovated approach to trailer durability and sustainability. Using hot-dipped galvanization, Hyundai provides better corrosion resistance and extended service life. Our inventory is stocked with HyCube and HT-Composite trailers from Hyundai—request a trailer today or talk to a sales representative to explore trailers that best fit your needs!
Flexible Trailer Leasing for Winter Demand
Maximize fleet utilization by leasing trailers in seasons of cold weather and high demands. Whether the snow calls for downtime or demands increase during the holiday season, having flexibility in your fleet goes a long way. Short and long-term leasing offers flexibility in scaling and costs that allow operations to dig deeper in full utilization.
Get the benefit of late models of high quality and durable trailers for better safety at lower costs when leasing. With Transport Services, we make leasing easy and customizable for your needs with the flexibility of maintenance plans.
NET Maintenance: The customer is responsible for all trailer repairs and maintenance required, including the replacement of any parts, accessories and brakes/tires. Any replacement parts, accessories or tires must be comparable in quality to the item(s) being replaced.
Full Maintenance: For a per mile charge, we take care of everything. Our Service Division will let you know when preventive maintenance is due on your equipment and schedule a convenient time to get your equipment into the closest service shop. There will be no additional charge for maintenance services and/or parts required because of normal wear.
Invest in Equipment for Harsh Conditions
Investing in equipment made for impact and durability is investing into the future. A buyer who considers all seasons of the year when purchasing equipment is a strategic buyer—a type of buyer who seeks long-term impact.
When considering rough Midwest winters, a trailer to rely on is undoubtedly important. Important specs to look for are LED lights for visibility, air systems and suspension, insulation and rust-resistant coatings and undercarriage protection.
Hyundai Translead is paving the industry with their trailers, building them to fight against rust and corrosion with hot-dipped galvanization and flexible customization. As a Diamond Dealer, Transport Services carries both Hyundai dry vans and box trucks that are built to last in our inventory to fit your demands.
Investing in a trailer is a big decision, but a decision that should be made easy and make sense for your operations. Get in contact with a sales representative today to explore your options and invest in the long-term.
ICYMI: 100% bonus depreciations were reinstated for equipment acquired and placed in service after 1/19/25 — a gamechanger for long-term investing.
Stay Ahead of Winter with Transport Services
At Transport Services, we are committed to keeping your fleet safe and operational all year long. Keeping our Ultimate Winter Readiness Guide at hand will help you be a quick problem solver and sufficient through the rough.
Let us be your trusted partner in semi-trailer sales, leasing, service and parts! We assist businesses and operators near Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Detroit areas.
Visit our site to explore how we can assist you today: www.transportservices.com
More Resources:
Download the Winter Preparation Guide HERE
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